Sheffield volunteers are Game for fun at winter Olympics

Volunteers are back in Sheffield fresh from their work with champion athletes in the stunning mountains of Russia for the Winter Olympics.

A group of 25 Sheffield Hallam University students were selected to go to Sochi.

Luke Tinker, an assistant coach at Sheffield Wednesday, acted as a flash quote reporter taking comments from athletes and filing them for the world’s media.

Luke faced a three-hour journey from his accommodation in Sochi to the mountains for the cross country skiing contests.

The 20-year-old, who lives on London Road, said: “It was a great experience but challenging at times.

“I had to get quotes, then write them for an Olympic database which people use all over the world, so it was important to get certain people and also a pressured environment.”

Last month’s games had come under fire from some journalists who found unfinished hotels and facilities.

Luke, who also volunteered at London 2012, added: “Compared to London they seemed unprepared. We heard some ridiculous stories. I was in one toilet and the toilet roll was about five feet away! But they got better and by the end it was a success.”

Rosemary Leach, a principal lecturer in sport who also volunteered, said: “It took a great deal of planning and organisation to get us there and to make sure we assessed risks so we were all safe. But the students were brilliant and took on roles with enthusiasm and commitment. It really made me very proud.